We know you are addicted to Jingle Jangle and those gingerbread sandwich cookies. See what’s new at Trader Joe’s this holiday season

Have you been to Trader Joe’s lately? Perhaps you ran over to pick up a Grump Tree to bring to your next holiday party? Get ready to indulge in plenty of peppermint and chocolate goodies as you gear up for the Christmas season! The grocery store has launched tons of returning and brand-new products you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to see all the new Trader Joe’s holiday items to add to your shopping list.

Trader Joe’s Christmas Items

Gingerbread House

The holidays equal gingerbread, and TJ's authentic German "Hexen Haus" is beyond adorable. Each kit comes with everything you need, including candy and cookie decorations in this uber fun-shaped box. 

The Milk Chocolate Coin

Forget those bags of average-sized chocolate coins and go big with this coin that weighs in at 3.17 ounces. 

Air Plant Snowman

Good luck walking past these cuties on your way into the store this holiday season. They literally last forever and make a fun gift. 

Jingle Jangle Pretzel Twists

Take your Jingle Jangle game to another level with these pretzels coated in chocolate and candy pieces. 

Felted Wool Pinecones

We can never get enough of TJ's felted wool items and these too-cute pinecones are perfect for your holiday mantle. 

Jumbo Candy Canes

No wimpy candy canes this holiday season, these jumbo-sized ones are impressive. 

Waterless Amayllis

We love watching an amaryllis bloom over the holiday season. These new additions for 2023 are attached to a wooden board making them stand up easier for your display. 

Hot Cocoa Scented Whipped Body Scrub

We support smelling like hot cocoa any time of the year. 

Astounding Multi-Flavor Joe-Joe's

New for 2023, these are going to top all lists for Joe-Joes fans. Each set comes with Peanut Butter Joe-Joe’s in milk chocolate with dark chocolate drizzle, Vanilla Joe-Joe’s in ginger-infused white chocolate with ginger cookie sprinkles, Double Chocolate Joe-Joe’s in dark chocolate with milk chocolate drizzle, and Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s in dark chocolate with peppermint sprinkles.

Italian Tiramisu

You don't have to make a whole batch of this favorite dessert when you have these in your freezer. They are perfectly sized and you'll definitely want to hide them from the kids. 

Hot Cocoa Polar Bear

These cuties are back and we are thrilled as they are perfect for surprising the kids after a day of decorating the tree or caroling.

Gummy Bear Flavored Lip Duo

Trader Joe's gifts: Gummy Bear Flavored Lip Duo

The word on TikTok is that this is a pretty close dupe to the favorite set from Lineage but we'll leave that judgment to you. 

Candy Cane Chocolate Covered Almonds

'Tis the season! These tasty roasted almonds are covered in dark chocolate and dipped again in peppermint-flavored white chocolate before being coated with delicious candy cane bits. The ultimate snack for the holidays, and they're only $4.

Gingerbread Ice Cream

Back again for 2023, this tasty treat brings all the holiday flavor to your next dessert.

Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Candle

Trader Joe's gifts: Crackling Red Fruits in the Forest Candle

These have a wood wick so you'll think you're sitting by the fire this holiday season. $9.99

Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread & Egg Nog Liqueur

Want to spice up that holiday beverage? Just top it off with a little Peppermint Cream, Gingerbread, or Egg Nog Liqueur! Made with vodka, these are a fun option to bring to that holiday party. 

Rosemary Tree

These little beauties are the perfect gift because they are cute, useful, and inexpensive. 

Moisturizing Lip Balm Set

Kate Loweth

The mango flavor tops our list but with six to choose from, you'll definitely find one that suits your mood. $5.99

Grump Tree

Kate Loweth

Whether you’re feeling a little Grinchy or you’re short on space to decorate, these adorable little trees are the perfect accent to warm your home and your heart. The skinny evergreen Cyprus trees are wrapped in a red ribbon and topped with a single red ornament. 

Oval Felted Wool Trivets

We love the muted colors that they have this year and the larger oval shape. You can even keep using them well past the holidays. 

Candle Trio

Cranberry pine, fresh currant, and nutmeg are the holiday scents that make up this fun trio. 

Cookie Mug Hangers

Festive-up your hot cocoa with these cute gingerbread cookies that sit perfectly on the side of your mug. 

Advent Calendar

Kate Loweth

For $.99, these chocolate Advent calendars are our favorite. Get yours early because they often sell out before December starts. 

Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Joe Joe’s Bar

Trader Joe's

Your fave Joe Joe's treat just got a makeover! This year's new Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Joe Joe's Bar is made with 60% cacao dark chocolate and Candy Cane Joe Joe’s, and then it's sprinkled with peppermint candy pieces! The fun-looking candy bar is just $1.99 and is only around during the holidays.

Candy Cane Joe-Joe's Ice Cream

Trader Joe's

Grab a spoon and get your hands on this icy treat. Each carton of this delectable dessert is made with a swirl of peppermint and vanilla ice creams, a ribbon of chocolate fudge and chunks of Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s cookies. Pick up a container for just $2.99.

Jingle Jangle

Trader Joe's

This delightful tin has it all: mini pretzels covered in milk and dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate; dark chocolate-covered caramel popcorn; dark chocolate-covered broken Joe-Joe’s cookies; milk chocolate gems with a red candy coating; and milk & dark chocolate mini peanut butter cups. And all that, for just $10 a tin.

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Trader Joe's

Run, don't walk to TJ's bakery department! These cookies are made with two pieces of gingerbread surrounding a layer of sweet vanilla frosting that's made with butter and cream cheese, then topped with coarse sugar crystals. A box of 18 is just $4.99.

Trader Joe's Danish Butter Cookies

Karly Wood

The traditional Danish Butter Cookies of your youth are here for the holidays! The made-in-Denmark sweets are made with 28 %  butter and real vanilla. 

Find them near the other cookies, usually above the freezer section for $3.99.

Candy Cane Joe Joe's

One of Trader Joe's best-selling holiday products is finally back! Candy Cane Joe Joe's are seasonal (and better) take on the year-round cookie that we can't help eating by the row. Dip in milk or enjoy crushed over a bowl of ice cream––there's no wrong way to enjoy these treats! You can find them next to the other pre-packaged cookies.

Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's

These amazing Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe-Joe's are the candy cane version's older, prettier sister. They're pretty much guaranteed to put a little extra on your waistline, but these decadent desserts are well worth it.  The bitter dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the creamy filling that's topped with crushed candy canes.

Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Cremes

This holiday favorite is made even better by the addition of dark chocolate and crushed candy canes. Soft, creamy and minty centers pair so well with their dark chocolate counterparts; it's like a bite of Christmas!

Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows

Can you ever have enough peppermint during this time of year? Trader Joe's doesn't think so! Another popular product is these delightful Dark Chocolate Minty Mallows. They're made using peppermint marshmallows and then covered in dark chocolate for the ultimate light and fluffy treat.

Mini Gingerbread Men

Enjoy some gingerbread without wasting time on a house you'll never eat. These adorable mini Gingerbread Men have white fudge icing and fit in the palm of your hand. They are found near the other holiday treats.

Dark Chocolate Stars

Trader Joe's dark chocolate-covered shortbread cookies are to die for! The perfectly-sized stars are doused in rich chocolate and topped with sprinkles. These are thoroughly enjoyed with a cup of coffee––just sayin'.

Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Stars

These mint chocolate shortbread cookies are coated with dark chocolate! These differ from their sister cookies in that they're smaller and made with mint-infused shortbread. We say, why not have one of each?

 

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

These amazing gingerbread houses will inspire you to get creative this year

Gingerbread season is here! While the candy-covered creations we make with our kids are what we’d call “shabby chic” at best (here are some gingerbread house hacks to help you this year), some folks take it to the next level. We’ve rounded up a village of amazing gingerbread houses that will make your jaw drop. 

Magical World of Gingerbread Houses

Disney World is known for displaying amazing gingerbread houses every year, and the Grand Floridian Resort tops the list of best places to spot them.

"12 Days of Gingerbread"

Omni Grove Park has amazing gingerbread houses
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville is famous for its annual Gingerbread House Competition. This year is the 31st anniversary, and starting on November 27th, all the submissions will be displayed throughout the resort. If you won't be in the area, be sure to check out their "12 Days of Gingerbread," where, from Dec 1. - Dec. 12, the top 12 finalists are presenting on Facebook and Instagram.

Sweet & Simple’s Clever House

British Columbia-based baker Sweet & Simple Kitchen’s beautiful use of powdered sugar and almond shingles has us dreaming of a cozy cabin somewhere.

Related: 13 Brilliant Hacks for the Perfect Gingerbread House

Two-Story Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont in San Francisco is famous for its two-story gingerbread houses, which is a part of its annual holiday fun. You can even book a dining experience for up to eight guests inside the gingerbread house! The hotel officially kicks off the holiday fun on November 24th, 2023. 

A Retro Gingerbread Camper

amazing gingerbread houses
Jared Smith via Sugar & Cloth

We're totally crushing on this creation by Sugar & Cloth, complete with a Rice Krispy Christmas tree on top of the sweet retro camper. There are even step-by-step instructions if you’re feeling brave enough to attempt it yourself.

There’s No Place Like This Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach created a jaw-dropping take on The Wizard of Oz, made with 400 pounds of gingerbread dough, 300 pounds of fondant, and 100 pounds of chocolate.

Haunted Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Cookie Connection

Two of our favorite holidays collide in this spooky house from Cookie Connection. A candy-lined path leads up to a sweet mansion that’s crawling with ivy—would you dare to step inside?

White House

The White House always has amazing gingerbread houses
White House Historical Association

The White House gingerbread house is a tradition that’s been going on since the Carter administration. We think the 2019 house was pretty awesome because not only is the White House featured, but other important American landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Alamo are included too. 

Gingerbread Farm

amazing gingerbread houses
My Name Is Yeh

How cute is this farm setup from My Name Is Yeh? Complete with matcha trees, heart-shaped jolly rancher windows, and gingerbread ponies, it’s a farm you can really sink your teeth into. 

Related: How to Make a Gingerbread House…From Scratch

Boardwalk Concession Stand

amazing gingerbread houses
DisneyParks Blog

Disney doesn’t do anything halfway—including this life-size replica of a Jersey Shore Boardwalk concession stand at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, which has a grand total of 674 gingerbread shingles. We’ve only got one question: how do you keep the kiddos from nibbling on it as they walk by?

A Tea Party

Omni Grove Park Inn amazing gingerbread houses
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Here’s another winner from the Omni Grove Park Inn’s 2022 contest, but this time, it's the first-place winner in the teen category! 

Frozen Gingerbread Ice Castle

DisneyParks Blog

Frozen fans will appreciate this awesome gingerbread ice castle that popped up at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida. Anna, Elsa, and the rest of the gang are all ready to wave hello.

Valentine Gingerbread House

With Love and Confection

Here’s a cute idea—combine a couple of holidays for an extra special gingerbread house. This creation from With Love and Confection is super sweet down to the last detail, from the heart-shaped roof tiles to the glittery snowman in the front yard.

Land of Misfit Toys

amazing gingerbread houses
Gingerbread Exchange

This amazing gingerbread house combines an iconic building at the National Institutes of Health with everyone’s favorite reindeer and all of his friends. Watch out for the Abominable Snowman in the background!

Up Gingerbread House

Search Lawrence

This clever house looks just like the one featured in Pixar’s hit movie Up. From the “grass” made out of toasted coconut to the rice paper curtains, this house makes every detail count.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Waterbar

Waterbar's Executive Pastry Chef Erica Land spent over 100 hours creating this amazing rendition of Halloween Town from Tim Burton's classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was three feet tall, and six feet wide, and included over 25 lbs. of gingerbread! 

As Christmas approaches, this dad has a message for other men about how to avoid putting the entire burden of the holiday on their female partners

Many of us have treasured memories of holidays filled with tons of magic—and for that, most of us have a mom to thank. Putting together a Christmas celebration that’s filled with joy and love and nostalgia is no easy feat. And all too often, the brunt of that work falls on moms and female partners in heterosexual relationships. That’s why Michael Vaughn, a TikToker who makes videos about mental load and equity in partnerships, has an important video for dads and male partners this holiday season.

“If you’re a man in a relationship with a woman and you both exchange gifts at the holidays, I just want to share one thing with you,” Vaughn starts his video.

@world.shaker

#Christmas and #Holidays #Tip for #Men #relationship #relationships #giftgiving #giftideas #parents #parenting

♬ original sound – World Shaker

He goes on to explain how he saw a young woman share a similar sentiment on TikTok after a previous Christmas, years ago.

“Shortly after Christmas here, usually what happens is a bunch of videos are posted by women who were very much overlooked, forgotten, and not taken into account at Christmas—women who had spent a tremendous amount of time investing in the holiday magic for their partner and their family,” Vaughn continues. “Women who made sure that stockings were filled for everyone else, but who did not get one unless they filled it up themselves, women who received gifts that were very impersonal and out of touch or might have been tied directly to things in the home, like a vacuum cleaner.”

He says the young woman from the video was explaining how her dad didn’t have any idea what to get her mom for Christmas. He then shares the comment the mother made, which has stuck with him for years: “You don’t have to spend a dime. I just want to know that you spent a thought for me—and not at the last minute.”

Vaughn ends his video with a message to the dads and male partners who are watching: “If you have offloaded all of the work that goes into generating holiday magic to your partner—if you don’t know what your kids are getting for Christmas—if you haven’t gotten anything or planned anything for your partner or kids yet, you have over a month to get it right.”

A holiday art project featuring your baby’s handprint or footprint is a fun, festive way to capture the moment

When there’s a new baby in the home, it’s practically a requirement that their tiny toes and fingers make their way into some sort of cute keepsake. Even if Christmas footprint art isn’t your thing (right now anyway), we’re betting the grandparents will think it’s the absolute best. We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas, and, one day, when the kids are grown, you’ll look back and marvel at how far they’ve come.

Cardboard Christmas Footprint Ornaments

So, these might not be the fanciest Christmas footprint art projects we’ve seen, but they are adorable, and you can make them with supplies you probably already have at home.

Mistle-toes Ornament

How adorable is this ornament? This Christmas footprint art project will win over even the most skeptical of parents. Check out this easy-to-follow tutorial from Midget Momma.

Thumbprint Heart Ornaments

Instead of little toes, use little fingerprints to create this adorable oven-baked clay snowflake with a heart in the middle. We also love the use of vibrant colors that don’t scream ‘holiday season.’ Get the tutorial from Made to Be a Momma.

Footprint Ornament Tile

A cute Christmas footprint art project
Make the Best of Everything

Capture those little piggies just as they are this holiday season with this Christmas footprint art project. We love the sweet saying that goes on the back of this tile ornament; find it and a full tutorial at Make the Best of Everything.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Christmas footprint art is a fun gift for grandparents
Viva Veltora

Create Santa and Rudolph using some salt dough, paint, and your child's hand and foot. Sturdier than paper and festive enough to display every year, these adorable ornaments are a great project to help you and your child get into the holiday spirit. Visit Viva Veltora for a simple tutorial.

Wooden Handprint Ornaments

Rustic Trims

To create these wooden ornaments, you'll need a little help from Etsy. You trace your child's hand, stamp it, or take a photocopy of it. Then you send that plus your child's hand measurements to the Etsy shop MadeWithMamaCo, and they'll craft a wooden ornament of your child's hand. They also burn your child's name and age into the wood and finish the ornament with a twine ribbon for hanging on your tree.

Christmas Penguin Plate

This penguin plate is a cute Christmas footprint art idea
Fun Handprint Art

Shake it up with a penguin plate instead of a footprint ornament. It's just as cute and can be displayed along with other Christmas decorations. The secret is all in the type of paint you buy. Get the details from Fun Handprint Art. 

Angel Handprint

Christmas footprint art angel
That Artist Woman

Your child is always a little angel, of course, and this DIY craft from That Artist Woman helps you prove it. It's easy to do and will be cherished forever. While your child's hands and feet are covered in paint, make multiples of this design to give to grandparents and other loved ones.

Mistletoes Printable Art

HappyHeartPrintables

Here's an easy way to keep it simple. Purchase a digital download of this template from the Etsy shop HappyHeartPrintables, and then break out the paint and your baby's little feet. Add your child's name and the year, then pop into an inexpensive frame for personalized decor or a fun present for grandparents!

Handprint & Footprint Kit

This clever kit from Bubzi Co makes it easy to preserve your child's tiny little toes and fingers forever. The kit comes with clay you insert into the frame and then gently press your child's hand and foot into. Pop two photos in the photo spots and your keepsake is done. You can buy the kit on Amazon ($18). Pro tip: If you suspect your child will be too squirmy or squeamish for the clay, wait until they're asleep to take their prints.

 

Unwrap the magic of the season with a sleigh full of heartwarming toddler-friendly titles, all streaming on your favorite platforms

Baby, it’s cold outside! Thank goodness there’s a load of indoor fun just waiting to be streamed. Whether you and your tiny tots are snowed in or are spending the weekend stringing popcorn, you’re going to want the perfect movie—so we’ve curated a list of the best Christmas movies for toddlers. From retro classics to modern favorites featuring new characters and inventive songbooks, these films and specials are a cozy way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Read on for our picks and don’t worry: We won’t tell if you borrow a popcorn string from the tree for a snack.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Stop-motion is making a comeback! From Marcel the Shell with Shoes On to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, the flipbook style of storytelling is finding new fandom. No reason we can’t introduce littles to one of the first to perfect the form, right? Even better: This holiday origin story about how Rudolph found his place at the front of Santa’s sleigh team celebrates acceptance and self-discovery. 

Available on Amazon

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

A Very Merry Pooh Year is a great Christmas movie for toddlers
Walt Disney Studios

In this magical Christmas movie for toddlers, everyone's favorite honey-gold teddy recalls a past holiday season before setting resolutions for the New Year around the Pooh Corner. Your own honey bunch will want to bounce with Tigger, be brave with Piglet, and throw an arm around Eeyore. Just like you did when you were little.

Available on Disney+

Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday

Netflix

A tasty delight about Strawberry Shortcake and her attempt to make the holiday perfect, this Netflix animated film is as good as it looks. As Miss SS and her Berry Buddies get ready for their winter festival, themes of friendship and personal growth outweigh the pursuit of perfection—fantastic lessons that are never too early to learn. 

Available on Netflix

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Apple TV

For every special occasion, there’s a Peanuts special. So after you’ve wrapped up Christmas, be sure to usher in the New Year with the gang, too. This 2021 holiday special was animated in the WildBrain studio’s new style, with Charles Schulz’s timeless characters brought to life through rich, vibrant color and their touching narratives hitting all the right notes.    

Available on Apple TV+

All I Want for Christmas Is You

NBC Universal

Parents will love that this adorable computer-animated film is based on the unofficial Queen of Christmas’s chart-topping jingle (yes, Mariah Carey); baby boppers will revel in the film’s story about a little girl who wants to prove to her parents she’s ready for a puppy.

Available on Amazon

A Garfield Christmas 

CBS

If there’s anyone we love more than Garfield, it’s Grandma! In this 1987 short film, Garfield shares our sentiment, as he, Odie, and their human, John, pack up the old sedan and head for Grandma’s house. It’s a holiday that taps into the pasta-loving cat’s charm, delivering a down-home good time for everyone.

Available on Peacock

Related: The Best Holiday Movies on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon & Apple TV+ This Year

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a Christmas movie for toddlers
Warner Bros.

A little bit salty, a little bit sweet, this forever classic Christmas movie for toddlers has a happy ending that captures the spirit of the season. Clocking in at just less than a half hour, it’s the perfect length for your giggle box’s attention span, especially those who, like Cindy Lou Who, are not much more than two.

Available on Peacock.

The Snowman

The Snowman is a good Christmas movie for toddlers

Many of the best holiday movies for toddlers and preschoolers are based on books. Our favorite? The Snowman, adapted from Raymond Briggs’s wordless tale. With a gentle, ethereal vibe that won’t scare mini snowballs, it’s just the wondrous gem to watch after building a frosty buddy in the backyard. 

Available on Pluto TV

 

The Polar Express

The Polar Express is a Christmas movie for toddlers
Castle Rock Entertainment

Locomotive-loving kids will toot their horns for this visual feast about a boy who boards a magical train headed straight for Santa’s domain. They’ll love it even more if bigger kids make them paper train tickets and hot cocoa. Quick note: There are a few intense scenes, like the dramatic chase, so keep the remote ready to skip ahead if need be.

Available on Max

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a good Christmas movie for toddlers

Yes, it’s the classic special that comforted you every year during your childhood, and it’s just as lovely as you remember. Introduce your silly peanuts to Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, and the rest of the group as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. And keep tissues close for the heartfelt pageant at the end.

Available on Apple TV+

The Snowy Day

The Snowy Day is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Amazon Studios

An adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’s acclaimed picture book, this animated adventure captures the spirit of outdoor exploration and wintertime wonder as it tags along with protagonist Peter on his way to Nana’s. At just under an hour, you can squeeze it in after dinner and still get your toddler tucked in on time.

Available on Amazon

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Muppet Christmas Carol is a good Christmas movie for toddlers
Walt Disney Pictures

Featuring kiddos’ favorite felted friends, this hilarious musical reworks Charles Dickens’s 19th-century novella into a zany romp that will keep the chuckles chuckling. With Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Scrooge, there’s no shortage of fun surprises. Some of the ghosts might be too much for toddlers, so keep the remote handy.

Available on Disney+

Frosty the Snowman

Get ready to sing along with the beloved holiday tune featured in this 2D-animated classic. About the lovable and friendly Frosty, the story sees the snow buddy and his friends keep his magic hat out of the clutches of a greedy magician. Something to be aware of: There’s a scene in which Frosty melts, which can make the little ones sad.  

Available on Amazon

Prep & Landing

Prep and Landing is a fun Christmas movie for toddlers
ABC

Sure to elicit giggles, this clever holiday story features elves working together to prepare for Christmas. At only 22 minutes, you can watch this and then go on to the second short feature with elves Wayne and Lanny, Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. It’s a newer Christmas movie for toddlers that's just right for the preschool set.

Available on Apple TV+

Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas

Walt Disney Studios

House of Mouse fans will cheer for this robust collection of holiday shorts featuring Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and the rest of the gang. It’s actually the sequel assortment to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, and with so much kindness and good cheer from the menagerie, you’ll want to stock up on both.

Available on Disney+

The Nutcracker

Warner Bros.

Show us a toddler who can sit through an entire ballet. We’ll wait … Exactly! That’s why you should just bring the show to them. In this 1993 take on the tale of Clara, the Mouse King, and those mesmerizing Sugar Plum Fairies, your budding bunhead can spin right along with New York City Ballet’s principals.  

Available on Hulu

Every special, musical, comedy, and classic kids’ Christmas movie your family will want to watch together this holiday season. And trust us, they all deliver tidings of comfort, joy, and laughter

The holiday season is here. That means the tinsel’s been unleashed, every meal includes sugar cookies, and all the screens in the house are tuned to family Christmas movies. From seasonal specials and animated comedies featuring your little ones’ favorite cartoon characters to jazzy musicals and instant yuletide classics that you and yours will treasure for years to come, the following curated list is a festive smorgasbord of kids’ Christmas movies. So grab that batch of cookies from the oven and dig in!

Family Christmas Movies on Netflix

Family Switch

Family Switch is a new family Christmas movie on Netflix
Netflix

Queen of the body switch, Jennifer Garner of 13 Going On 30 fame stars in this identity switcheroo with Ed Helms from The Office. They star as parents of two who feel their once-tight-knit bond starting to fray. Come the holidays, however, the two are determined to make meaningful memories with their kids. It’s a wish that magically scrambles the families’ identities and leads to a slew of holiday hilarity.

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday

If you and your littles loved the original Bad Guys film as much as we did, then you’re in for a treat. The menagerie of very bad animals is back for another heist, this one tangled up in tinsel and twinkling lights. But before they can carry out the perfect crime they’ve just masterminded, they have to save Christmas.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Strawberry Shortcake’s Perfect Holiday

Baking their way through the yummiest season of the year, Strawberry Shortcake and her Berry Besties are using flour power to have the most perfect Winterswirl Eve yet. The only problem is Peculiar Purple Pieman has snagged all the cinnamon. Gather the little ones for this tasty adventure that decks the halls in pink frosting and rewrites the holiday songbook with the cutest tunes. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

Trolls Holiday

Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, and Zooey Deschanel hit all the right notes in this addition to the happiest little franchise ever. Released in 2017, Trolls Holiday sees its brightly coiffed creatures celebrate Glitterpalooza, the day every troll indulges in song, dance, and glitter bombs. Should you want to keep the glitter flying with the 2021 installment, Trolls Holiday Harmony, it’s over on Hulu.  

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A Boy Called Christmas

Fans of Paddington will find similar comfort in this wintry adventure that gives Father Christmas an origin story full of elves, reindeer, and enchantment. When a little boy named Nikolas heads out to find his father, he, with his talking mouse, Miika, and his flying reindeer, Blitzen, discovers the magic of the Far North’s village called Elfhelm.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Netflix

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

A christmas carol is a classic family christmas movie
Netflix

If you prefer an animated version of Dickens’s classic Christmas story, Netflix offers Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. With a supernatural bent, this musical adaptation promises something for the whole family. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Alien Xmas

A young elf receives an alien she believes is simply a toy but is, in reality, much more. While this movie has a brief 42-minute runtime, it will entertain the young and old alike. 

Rated: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available on Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Released in 2020, this charming live-action musical about a toymaker is part Steampunk and part Dickens. Featuring a predominantly Black cast, including Academy-Award-winning Forest Whitaker, the once-betrayed and disgruntled toymaker finds new hope with his granddaughter. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+ 

Available on Netflix

Klaus

The first original Netflix animated film follows the story of a plucky mailman and a toy maker in a bleak, remote village. They form an unlikely friendship when they decide to spread joy by delivering presents to kids.

Rating: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Netflix

A StoryBots Christmas

StoryBots fans will love following along as Bo heads to the North Pole to get gift advice from Santa only to discover that the Jolly Old Elf has gone missing.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2

Netflix

After two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they head on an all-night journey to get things back on track. Starring Kurt Russell, this crowd-pleasing film got a sequel in 2020 with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, and it’s just as fun as the original. 

Rated PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available at Netflix

Supermonsters Save Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season in Pitchfork Pines with this special starring the Super Monsters. Christmas Eve finds the Super Monsters lending Santa a magical helping hand to find his missing reindeer.

Rating: TV-Y

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Netflix

White Christmas

Dreaming of a white Christmas? You can’t get much more classic than a Christmas movie featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney, with tunes from Irving Berlin. It may not have cartoon adventure, but it does have musical numbers and an emphasis on love and family.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Netflix

Kids’ Christmas Movies on Disney+

Dashing Through the Snow

Dashing Through the Snow is a new family Christmas Movie on Disney+
Disney+

Lil Rel Howery dons the Santa suit for this festive Disney+ original. It costars Chris Bridges, who Mom will know better as Ludacris (the lyricist behind her favorite 2000 hip-hop hits), as a social worker who learns the true meaning of Christmas after a series of misadventures with his daughter. 

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Disney+

The Naughty Nine

Retooling heist films like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job for the younger set, this family-friendly romp sees nine youngsters learn they’re on Santa’s Naughty List. Not about to accept a coal-only Christmas, the crew hatch a plan to hit the North Pole and take back the gifts they think they deserve.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Reimaging the original tale of sugar plum fairies and the little girl who dreams them up, the House of Mouse offers a dazzling and poetic fantasy film emphasizing the importance of love and courage. The magic swirls around Clara as she visits four realms while searching for the key to a mysterious box.  

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney+

The Santa Clauses

While technically not a movie, this mini-series and the latest installment in this modern Christmas franchise finds Santa hanging up his red hat, shaving off his pearly white beard, and retiring. His retirement is short-lived, though, when he realizes he may have hired the wrong replacement and endangered not only his elves but the whole holiday. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Kevin Bacon appears in this hilarious and festive holiday special from Marvel Studios: the Guardians take a trip to Earth to find a Christmas gift for Quill. Parents should keep in mind that the original film was rated PG-13, and while the holiday special has not yet been rated, it may be best suited for older kids.  

Rated: Not yet rated 

Recommended Ages: TV-14

Available on Disney +

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas is a classic family christmas movie
Walt Disney Studios

The three sweet holiday tales in this anthology star Mickey and his pals in reimaginings of classic stories. Make this viewing a double feature with the sequel Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, also available on Disney +.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Disney +

Santa Buddies

What’s more playfully fun than a bunch of talking puppies trying to save Christmas? The adorable Santa Buddies are lending their paws to save the big day at the North Pole.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Are your little elves torn about whether their favorite holiday is Christmas or Halloween? Then give ‘em a dose of both. This holiday classic is a little offbeat, a little spooky, and full of a whole lot of crazy stop-motion visuals. It’s perfect for kids who crave a different kind of Christmas movie—and those old enough to enjoy the eerie effects.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available at: Disney+

The Santa Claus

Older kids will get a laugh watching Tim Allen (a divorced, uninvolved, turkey-burning dad) take a turn as Santa. The scenes at Santa’s workshop and the North Pole are amazing, but practice some Christmas caution: Allen gets the Santa gig because the original takes a fatal topple off a roof, there’s a lot of talk about divorce, and even a slightly scary scene with police.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Disney+

The Muppets Christmas Carol

There are a lot of versions of this story out there, but how many of them feature Michael Caine as Scrooge and the big-hearted Kermit as Bob Cratchit? Throw in all the fun musical numbers and Gonzo as the Charles Dickens narrator, and you’ve got a movie night to remember. Fair warning: his job is to scare Scrooge, so the Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty scary.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Disney+

Noelle

Ever wonder what it’s like being Santa’s kids? Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader star in this super fun story about how filling the big man’s shoes might be a little too much pressure. Is the Christmas spirit truly hereditary? Find out!

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

A Christmas Carol

Jim Carrey takes on this classic tale as Ebenezer Scrooge as only he can. Watch as he’s visited by three spirits, and learns the true meaning of Christmas in this live-action film.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Disney +

Beauty and The Beast: An Enchanted Christmas

Inspired by the classic fairytale, this movie is a great way to celebrate the holidays as Mrs. Potts tells the story of the Christmas that almost didn’t happen. Kids will enjoy seeing their favorite characters and the new songs in this tale of friendship and love.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Disney +

Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year

Tiny viewers will love watching Pooh and his friends help Rabbit discover the true meaning of the season. It’s an animated story about friendship and staying true to who you are.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Disney +

Family Christmas Movies on Apple TV+

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Lee Mendelson Film Productions

For wise kids (and those who have a soft spot for Snoopy), you can’t go wrong with the Peanuts gang. Charlie Brown has some deep thoughts about Christmas commercialization and the holiday blues, but the end is all kinds of merry: the true meaning of Christmas and snappy music to boot.

Special note: A Charlie Brown Christmas will be offered to non-subscribers on AppleTV+ from December 16 – December 17.

Otherwise, subscribers can stream it anytime. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

The Velveteen Rabbit

Based on Margery Williams’ classic children’s book first published in 1922, this film adaptation stays true to the original story of a little boy who loves the plush bunny he got for Christmas so much it comes to life, but also injects a little modern-day flair. Blending live action with 2D animation, this family-friendly gem explores themes of friendship and unconditional love.

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available November 22 on Apple TV+

Frog and Toad “Christmas Eve” Special

Frog and Toad are best friends, and though their amphibious DNA might make you believe they’re pretty similar—they’re nothing alike. Now, it’s Christmas Eve, and the adventurous Frog is stuck in town, while creature-of-comfort Toad worries his buddy will miss the holiday entirely. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

The Snoopy Show Christmas Special

A holiday special that’s part of a stellar series, The Snoopy Show’s “Happiness Is Holiday Traditions” tags along with Snoopy and Woodstock as they visit the beagle’s brother, Spike, out in the desert. Not to let a few prickly cacti ruin their Christmas spirit, they conquer misadventures for the best holiday ever.

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Shape Island Winter Special

Based on the best-selling picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, Shape Island molds its narratives around three shape friends: Square, Circle, and Triangle. In “The Winter Blues,” the series’ holiday special, Square is sad, so the others try to cheer him up with a new Yeti-centric holiday. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available December 1 on Apple TV+

Sago Mini Friend New Year’s Eve Special

The colorful crew of Sagoville are celebrating closing one chapter and beginning another in “New Year’s Eve Steve.” The special unfurls as Harvey, the floppy-eared dog, gets help from a firefly to stay awake to see the clock strike midnight. One scavenger hunt and a ton of laughs later, the brood just might get their wish. 

Recommended Ages: 2+

Available December 22 on Apple TV+

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

The book on which this snowy special is based was written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy, and it’s a beautiful work of art that would make the perfect gift for loved ones of all ages. The moving short film, another masterpiece, brings the titular four to life through traditional hand-drawn animation, following along as the friends ponder love, kindness, and hope on their journey home.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Apple TV+

Spirited 

Spirited is a family Christmas Movie on Apple TV+
Apple TV+

Enjoy this musical with the older kids, as Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer hold nothing back as players in a rejiggered take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Reynolds stars as Clint Briggs, a miser whose ghostly visits teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Ferrell embodies the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Spencer plays the gift he wants to unwrap.

Recommended Ages: 13+

Available on Apple TV+

Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues

This year, the self-proclaimed Queen of Christmas is spreading cheer on the stages of the country’s biggest cities during her holiday tour, but if hard pants and big crowds aren’t your family’s style, just queue up this immersive sequel featuring Mariah Carey, her beloved songs, and a few fancy friends. Should you want a quick link to the 2020 original, here you go!

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Apple TV+

Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne

Apple TV+ has so. much. Peanuts. content, so go nuts! With For Auld Lang Syne, Lucy takes center stage, missing her grandmother and throwing a NYE party to cheer herself up. The first new holiday special in the Peanuts canon in nearly 20 years, this brilliantly animated short film is already an instant classic. 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This stop-motion classic family Christmas movie about Rudolph and his unusual nose is a must-watch for every generation in your house. Parents can join their children on a nostalgic journey to the unforgettable Island of Misfit Toys. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Apple TV+

Family Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime

A Christmas Story

A Christmas story is on Amazon Prime
MGM Entertainment

Warning: Watching A Christmas Story is likely to result in nonstop quoting of all those hilarious one-liners (Go ahead and say it with us: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”). Double warning for the younger tots: “Fudge” is substituted for the F word, one poor kid gets his tongue frozen to a flagpole, and let’s not forget that fishnet stocking leg lamp.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available at: Amazon

Candy Cane Lane

Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross team up for a holiday adventure about a family man who makes a pact with an elf to get a helping hand in winning his neighborhood’s holiday decorating contest. Of course, things don’t go as he expects, and the 12 Days of Christmas come to leaping to life.

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available November 30 on Amazon

Merry Little Batman

Damien Wayne is home alone and determined to keep a bunch of supervillains from ruining his Christmas, so he turns himself into Little Batman and shows those filthy animals who’s boss. If it all sounds familiar, that’s because this animated tale is DC’s super-twist on Macaulay Culkin’s 1990 classic.

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available December 8 on Amazon

It’s a Wonderful Life

It certainly isn’t new, but no holiday is complete without watching Frank Capra’s seminal holiday film, It’s a Wonderful Life. A heartwarming story that explores the human condition in all its forms, kids young and old always find much to love about George Bailey, a businessman who gets a glimpse at what life would look like without him. 

Recommended Ages: 9+

Available on Amazon

The Preacher’s Wife

A remake of The Bishop’s Wife from 1947, this musical drama starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington is another holiday must-watch. Featuring a beautiful holy soundtrack sung by the late pop diva, the film sees Denzel’s Dudley help a family in crisis around the holidays.

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Yogi’s First Christmas

This classic kids’ Christmas movie finds Yogi and his affable sidekick Boo Boo joining in on the holiday fun, even though they should be hibernating. Kids will love meeting other Hanna-Barbera favorites like Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, and Augie Doggie. 

Rated: No Rating

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Legend of the Christmas Witch

Legend of the christmas witch is a family christmas movie
Lucky Red Morena Films

This 2018 Italian film tells the story of an ordinary school teacher who, at night, transforms into Befana, the magical witch who bestows gifts upon all the good children. Available in Italian with English subtitles or a dubbed English version

Rated: Not Rated 

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon Freevee

Alone for Christmas

What’s cuter than puppies? Christmas puppies! This is basically the plot to Home Alone, but instead of a kid—you’ve got an adorable pup! 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

Jingle All the Way

Arnold Schwarzenegger is willing to go to any length to get his son the latest and greatest toy for Christmas in this 1990s film. While there are some funny moments, some are also violent, and the movie may be better for older kids.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 8+

Available on Amazon

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas

The Cat in the Hat is back again, making a messy party for all of the guests. But when the party is over, The Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick, and the Fish discover a poor lost baby reindeer they are determined to help find his way home. 

Rated: G 

Recommended Ages: 2+ 

Available on Amazon

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You

Inspired by Mariah Carey’s instant holiday classic song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” this sweet little cartoon features a young girl named Mariah who wants one thing for Christmas—a puppy! (Again, puppies + Christmas = love). Plus, it features voices by Mariah Carey, Breanna Yde, and Henry Winkler.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

Fans of the affable monkey won’t want to miss this adventurous holiday story featuring George and the Man in the Yellow Hat. They both work hard to find the perfect gifts for each other.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Frosty the Snowman

The whole family will be a bunch of jolly, happy souls when they watch this classic family Christmas movie about the snowman who was brought to life with a magic hat and some love.

Rated: Not rated 

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Santa Claus is coming to town is a family christmas movie
Rankin/Bass Productions

Narrated by Fred Astaire, this classic holiday movie tells the story of Santa’s humble beginnings. The kids will get a kick out of seeing the movie’s take on how certain Christmas traditions began (like the flying reindeer and why Santa comes through the chimney).

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch

This 2018 retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss story about the green grump who wants to stop Christmas is packed full of fun and laughs. Pharrell Williams narrates, while Benedict Cumberbatch voices the cantankerous Grinch. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

The Snowman

Based on the classic picture book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is worth a watch with your tiny tots. This wordless movie follows the adventures of a young boy whose snowman comes to life. It’s a simple but whimsical story that still offers a healthy dose of holiday magic.

Rated: G

Recommended Ages: 3+

Available on Amazon

The Polar Express

Based on the beautiful best-selling book, this classic family Christmas movie follows a young boy on his journey to the North Pole, where he discovers just how real Santa’s holiday magic is.

Rating: G

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

It’s a Very Muppet Christmas Movie

The classic story of It’s a Wonderful Life gets a kid-friendly twist thanks to the Muppet gang. In this version, the Muppet Theater is in trouble, and a stressed-out Kermit wonders if the world would have been better off without him and his friends. Luckily, his guardian angel (David Arquette) shows him what matters most—with the help of fun musical numbers and a star-studded cast.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

Arthur Christmas

What’s the lovable youngest son of Santa to do when he discovers that one child hasn’t received her Christmas present? Go on a madcap mission, of course! You’ll love the family spirit of this movie as we meet Arthur and the whole Claus clan. 

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 5+

Available on Amazon

Home Alone

Home Alone is a family christmas movie
20th Century Fox

A member of the John Hughes movie family, Home Alone is a full-fledged faceoff between eight-year-old Kevin and a couple of witless burglars. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen this one, you may not remember just how violent the slapstick gets. Still, it’s worth a view for older kids who understand the Christmas consequences.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 10+

Available on Amazon

Elf

Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny muggins (pardon our language) and miss out on watching the story of our favorite innocent “elf,” Buddy. This is another family Christmas movie you’ll be quoting all season long. Though a few spots may run a bit boring for little ones, kids will still love seeing the holidays through Buddy’s enthusiastic eyes.

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 7+

Available on Amazon

Miracle on 34th Street

This 1994 remake of a 1940s classic has all the tried-and-true favorites of a family Christmas movie: a precocious kid, a lovable Santa, and a smiley ending. But keep in mind, Mom and Dad, that the little girl in the movie does question the existence of Santa Claus—so if this isn’t a hot topic in your house yet, you might want to skip this one!

Rated: PG

Recommended Ages: 6+

Available on Amazon

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

We can’t settle the age-old debate of old Grinch vs. new Grinch—but we’ll admit that the classic ‘toon version holds a special place in our “two sizes too small” hearts. Add it to your holiday movie lineup to get your yuletide dose of Seuss and Whoville.

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available on Amazon

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

There’s a “Gift of the Magi” element at play in this 1977 Jim Henson wholesome classic Christmas tale that is as adorable as it is lively, with original songs by Paul Williams. Kermit the Frog’s turn as the narrator is both funny and adorable. 

Rated: Not Rated

Recommended Ages: 4+

Available at: Amazon

Full Court Miracle

This Disney original Hanukkah movie, which happens to be based on a true story, follows a beloved basketball coach as he becomes the coach of a yeshiva in Philly.

Rated: TV-G

Recommended: Ages 8+

Available on Amazon

 

with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

 

Don’t let the cold weather keep you from making memories

Winter on the horizon doesn’t mean family fun needs to stop. In fact, the cold weather can be ideal for certain activities (don’t forget our list of 100 indoor activities for kids!) that’ll keep everyone from suffering any seasonal boredom. From going on a winter scavenger hunt to hosting an awesome hot cocoa bar, here are 32 winter activities for kids and families that’ll help you bond with your crew.

one of the most fun winter activities for kids is to bake with mom or dad
iStock

1. Bake together. Whip up a batch of cookies, brownies, or cupcakes. Make a few extra batches, and bring them to your neighbors.

2. Take a hike. Whether you live in a cold or warm winter climate, get the family outside to explore the outdoors.

3. Go to the library and find a good book to read. Need some reading inspiration? Here are 22 classic children's books that belong on every bookshelf, and the best new books of 2023.

4. Volunteer as a family. Teach your kiddos some compassion by volunteering as a family. There are lots of community activities that welcome help, and not just around the holiday season.

5. Make paper snowflakes and decorate your house. Give your house some winter cheer with homemade decorations. Paper snowflakes are easy and unique, and make the house look like a winter wonderland.

family game night is a fun winter activity for kids
iStock

6. Game on! Break out the board games and cards and have a fun family night of board games.

7. Have a movie night. Light a fire, grab blankets, pop the popcorn, and find a few movies the entire family will love. Go with a classic must-see movie.

8. Make New Year's resolutions. Gather everyone together and talk about goals for 2023. Here are a few ideas if your family needs help with writing its resolutions.

9. Go to a play or concert. Try experiencing a musical, play, or local concert that you haven't seen before. 

10. Make paper airplanes. Give the kids white paper and show them this guide on how to make the perfect airplane

iStock

11. Break out the printables. Print out a few printable activities on a cold afternoon.

12. Write a holiday/year-end card or letter. Why should holiday cards be something only the parents do? Have the kiddos write their own year-end cards and mail them to friends and family.

13. Give them interesting trivia to learn. Whether they love animals, space, Harry Potter, Disney, or even general trivia, we've got all the answers

14. Play in the snow. There's nothing that says winter more than making snow angels and having snowball fights together. If snow doesn't fall in your city, check out these snowflake science experiments.

15. Have the kids take one photo a day during the months of January and February. Then use your phone’s movie feature to create a film with music, and don't forget to upload your memories into the Tinybeans app

a nature walk is a good winter activity for kids
iStock

16. Go on a nature scavenger hunt. Have the kids pick up pinecones, and sticks and take photos of what you find on the trails.

17. Go to a museum. From children's museums to museums of natural history, there's bound to be something your family will love to visit. Be sure to check your local museum's hours and if there are specific restrictions in place (for example, many museums are open again but require timed reservations to keep crowds down). 

18. Set up a dance party. Find a playlist, crank up the music, and let them wiggle, shake, and move to their heart's content. 

19. Make a vision board. It's fun to visualize what the new year might bring! 

making slime is one of the most fun winter activities for kids
Melissa Heckscher

20. Make slime. We know, it's a parent's worst nightmare. But kids love it, and we have a great recipe. We also have all the ways to get slime out of hair, clothes, and the couch

21. Pick an indoor game to play. If you've got multiple kids at home, pick an indoor game for them to set up and play.

22. Have a video game night. If an arcade isn't in your near future, surprise your kids by telling them you're going to play video games with them! Get a brand new game or better yet, check your local library. Most public libraries have a variety of games available for systems including the Xbox and the Nintendo Switch, a great way to try a game without having to buy it. 

23. Try a new restaurant. Splurge on dinner out as a family or if you prefer, to-go, from a restaurant no one has tried before. 

24. Make friendship bracelets. Older kids can make fun accessories to give to their friends. 

25. Treat the family to a hot cocoa bar. Make fancy hot chocolate (like with milk on the stove) and set up whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, cherries, and everything else to make for a fun night of indoor sipping.

26. Embrace the world of pretend play. If you set up one of these ideas, it'll keep younger kids will be busy for an afternoon.  

27. Brighten up a cold winter’s night by playing a glow-in-the-dark game. How about flashlight charades or sardines? 

28. Host a fancy appetizer party. You don’t need the holidays as an excuse to have a party with these awesome recipes. Another idea is to surprise the kids and serve a variety of appetizers for dinner. You can even dress up and have a polite conversation. 

29. Practice yoga together. Get your family's zen on with a kid-friendly yoga video and practice as a family.

indoor forts are a classic winter activity for kids
iStock

30. Build an indoor fort. Need ideas? We’ve got 13 awesome fort ideas your kids will want to make their permanent home.

31. Gather pinecones and make a craft. Try hanging them from your door or make a bird feeder.

32. Make breakfast for dinner. Shake things up and turn the most important meal into nighttime fun. Here are 30 super easy and tasty recipes your family will love.

Make sure to capture all the chilly fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

From ice skating and holiday light festivals to family dinners, you’ll find the perfect activities for making memories.

If holiday movies have taught us anything, it’s that the months of November through January are all about spending time with family and feeling the magic of the season.

While you may not have a small town, family business to save this holiday (a.k.a every Christmas plot line currently on TV), you can enjoy the festive activities Rosemont has to offer. Just imagine sipping cups and cups of hot cocoa, ice skating under the moonlight, and starting a new holiday tradition.

And what better way to celebrate this year’s Yuletide than by curating your very own holiday bucket list? Lucky for you, we’ve compiled the best experiences across Rosemont to start filling you with the season’s warmth.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

1. Visit Your Community Christmas Tree (& Snap Family Photos!)

It’s almost an unspoken rule that community Christmas trees, completely adorned with sparkling lights, make for the perfect family photo—that you should totally use as the background of your next holiday card! Head to Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district to see an impressive display of more than 80,000 holiday lights alongside the Park’s iconic Christmas tree and even a walk-through illuminated ornament. Afterward, go ice skating at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink and grab a seasonal dessert at any of the nearby eateries.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

2. Take Pictures with Santa

What’s the holidays without a family portrait with Santa? Say hello to the jolly ‘ol Big Guy at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago now until December 24 to check off this classic tradition from your bucket list. Pro tip: pre-book your visit in advance to avoid those lengthy lines. Your future self will thank you.

3. Tackle Holiday Shopping as a Family

After taking photos with Santa at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, tackle your holiday shopping and get your kiddos involved—there’s nothing more special to a grandparent than a hand-picked gift from their favorite little one. With over 130 high-end outlet stores from popular brands, you and your children can find the perfect present for all of your loved ones. You’ll be able to knock out all of your holiday shopping in one go—trust us!

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

4. Go Ice Skating

Embrace winter’s charm with a few hours of ice skating—which will certainly give your kids the thrill and uniqueness they crave. At the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, your family can ice skate for free now through January 28. Either bring your own skates or rent a pair for $8 on-site. Check out the complete schedule of ice skating hours here.

Photo credit: Sparkle Light Festival

5. See a Holiday Light Display

In case you need more glitz, sparkle, and awe, Rosemont’s Sparke Light Festival has it all. Open now through the end of December, the glistening spectacle has five villages, each featuring festive decor and towering displays that are illuminated with millions of lights.

You can also enjoy hop aboard the free “Holly Trolly” train and go tubing down the Alpine Slide, amongst many other happenings. Sparkle Light Festival even added its own ice skating rink this year!

6. Drink All the Hot Cocoa

It seems like every holiday movie has at least one scene where hot cocoa is on full display, and honestly, who can resist a warm hug in a cup? Sugar Factory at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is spotlighting a twist on the traditional drink with their pink unicorn hot chocolate (yes, it’s completely pink!) and s’mores version. It’s the perfect seasonal photo opp of your kids, and also insanely photographic.

Photo credit: Village of Rosemont

7. Enjoy Dinner at a Cozy Restaurant

Quality one-on-one time with your kids tops the list of things to do during the holiday season, especially once they’re home from school. We recommend an unplugged dinner (that’s right, absolutely no phones or devices!) at your restaurant of choice. There’s over 40 different restaurants to choose from throughout the Rosemont community that offer both kid-friendly and seasonal menus. We recommend planning dinner after a fun evening of shredding ice at the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink.

 

Get ready to check off each item on your personalized holiday bucket list and revel in the joy of the season!

From snarky retorts to replies that shut the conversation down completely, here are all the ways to deal with the comments you dread each holiday season

Gathering with family at the holidays can be wonderful, but for some, it can also be fraught with misunderstandings, insults, and worse. It’s not always intentional, of course. Cultural differences, varied life experiences, and a lack of exposure to outside ideas can all contribute to these clashes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t already have a prepared response to an insult that may come your way. You don’t have to sit silently when someone makes a snide remark about you grabbing a second helping of pie or when you’re finally going to get a “real” job. So what are some polite responses to rude comments you can have in your back pocket?

First, “Be realistic about what you’re walking into,” says Mariel Benjamin, LCSW and VP of Groups and Content for Cooper. “This includes not imagining that people have changed, that old fights are over, or that you’ll magically be a more patient person.”

Instead, Benjamin recommends reconsidering your boundaries (like spending less time by staying at a hotel), or even setting some ground rules in advance. She also suggests bringing items that might create a better atmosphere, “ like old photo albums to share in happy memories, or conversation cards for dinner talk that avoids politics.”

Dr. Glenn Doyle, licensed psychologist and trauma specialist at Insight Therapy Solutions, says it can also be helpful to “remind yourself that someone saying something does not make it true and that certain people are just projecting their issues or looking to get a reaction out of you.”

Modern-day etiquette expert and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry Jenny Dreizen also reminds parents to prepare their children for these situations.

“Tell them that if they hear anything that makes them uneasy or someone says something to them that is uncomfortable, they are not compelled to answer and that they should come find you,” says Dreizen. She recommends moving with them to a private area to strategize together, whether that means interjecting into the original conversation, leaving the party, or just staying by your child’s side the rest of the evening.

“Making our kids feel safe, seen, and comfortable is always paramount,” says Dreizen.

Now here are some polite responses to rude comments to keep in your back pocket before your next gathering:

When someone tries to body shame you

“If there’s a comment about your body I would respond by saying, ‘I love my body for what it does for me rather than just focusing on what it looks like,’” says Jennifer Kelman, LCSW and therapist with JustAnswer. She says humor or self-deprecation is also usually helpful here.

Doyle agrees. “If you feel up to going the humorous route, you could respond by thanking them, stating you’ve been working out and you’re glad your body has caught their eye,” he says. “Otherwise, rolling your eyes, shrugging, and refusing to acknowledge their comment is my preferred route. Remember: the goal is to deny them the humiliated or disempowered reaction they’re after.”

When someone comments about what you’re eating

Dreizen recommends ignoring or deflecting the comment with humor by saying something such as, “Yes, thank you, it is a lot of food, and I am really looking forward to enjoying it. You enjoy yours!”

“My favorite response to any kind of shaming is somewhat sarcastic: pretending you’ve never heard that point of view before, thanking them profusely for their concern, and maybe asking them for more of their fascinating, helpful viewpoint,” adds Doyle.

For those who don’t enjoy sarcasm, he recommends shifting the attention to something or someone else, “the goal being to make the person who tried to shame you feel silly and petty.”

Bryana Kappadakunnel, LMFT and founder of Conscious Mommy, offers these quick conversation-ending responses: “I’m not open to discussing my diet. Let’s change the subject” or “I’m happy with my food choices and would appreciate it if you would please stop making comments. Thank you.”

When someone insults your parenting

“Most people hurl insults without any real awareness as to how they’ll land. Or, they want to return to a familiar pattern of engagement, usually one that starts with criticism, continues with defensiveness, and ends with someone wielding power over the other. Avoid that trap by staying clear, firm, and repetitive,” says Kappadakunnel. She offers the following scripts to ensure the listener understands that their feedback is not wanted:

“I feel good about our parenting choices. When I need your help, I’ll ask for it.”

“I understand I’m doing it differently from how you raised us. That is my personal choice, and I hope you can respect it.”

When someone insults your job or career

“This would be an incredible overstep and I would let the other person know that this is what interests you and this is where you feel happiest irrespective of how they feel about your career choice,” says Kelman.

Doyle meanwhile offers a therapy technique called “verbal judo.”

“If someone makes an insulting remark about your job or career, find something about their criticism to sort of agree with (‘You’re right, the money isn’t great,’ ‘You’re right, it’s not exactly what I wanted to do with my degree’), but then flip it on them with something you do like or is great about your current job (‘…but it gives me the flexibility I need now,’ ‘…but it’s a good placeholder while I look for my next job’),” says Doyle.

Dreizen offers a short and sweet response: “You know what, I am not looking for input on my career right now.”

When someone insults your relationship status or partner

“How to respond to negative comments about your relationship or partner might depend on several factors: whether your partner is with you at the event, how important your relationship is with whoever made the comment or whoever is hosting the event, and your personal tolerance for enduring or brushing off such comments,” says Doyle. He says he prefers to avoid responding to negative comments about a partner with humor as they may feel betrayed.

Kappadakunnel offers the following responses:

​”I’m not okay with you speaking poorly about my partner. Excuse me.” (Then walk away.)

“I feel comfortable with my relationship status, even if being single isn’t something you would choose.”

“My relationship/relationship status is not something I’m willing to discuss with you.”

When someone makes bigoted remarks or wants to turn the conversation into a politically heated debate

“In the old movie War Games, there is a line, ‘The only winning move is not to play.’ While it’s tempting to address these comments in real-time, getting into an unwinnable, uncomfortable argument with someone you see once or twice a year might not be worth it in the long run,” says Benjamin. “A simple, ‘I don’t agree with you and I don’t think this will result in a productive conversation’ followed by a change in subject will set a tone.”

Benjamin says if they double down, it’s totally fine to exit the conversation.

“More important is that, if these topics come up in front of your children, that you have a discussion with them following this, letting them know that you don’t agree with these views and that your child understands why those views are objectionable,” she adds. “If it’s about something that is offensive, bigoted, or cruel, make it clear that you not only disagree but that it’s an unacceptable viewpoint to hold.” She says this is a good time to remind them that family can be complicated and that you don’t always automatically get along or even have to agree with them.

If things get especially offensive, Kapaddakunnel offers the following line to shut things down: “I will not engage in discussions that discriminate against others. Please stop, or we will need to get going.”